Top 15 World’s Deadliest Dog Breeds

We don’t wish to perpetuate any stereotypes, but it's simply a fact that some dogs have been bred to be more aggressive or are genetically predisposed to cause more damage. Whether for war or sport, some breeds were raised for their strength, size, aggression, and tenacity, and that's who ended up on today's world's deadliest dogs list.

With dog bites occurring about 4.5 million times in one year (in the USA alone), claiming the lives of about 15 people per year, it pays to be cautious. In fact, most recent studies found dogs to be the 2nd most dangerous nonvenomous animal in the U.S.

It's important to note that “deadliest dog” doesn't label a canine bad. Rather, it means these dogs pose a bigger risk in case of aggression or improper handling due to their strong bite force, overall power and size. All dogs on this list need experienced owners, socialization and obedience training from a young age.

All dogs are different, even within the same breed. However, researching dog breeds can give you a general idea of the temperament and personality traits that you can expect from a dog. If you have small children, elderly relatives living in your home or have frequent visitors in your home, choosing one of these deadliest dogs won't be a good fit.

Top 15 World's Deadliest Dogs

1 Cane Corso

A breed that has been used as a guard dog for centuries, the “Italian Mastiff” has an intimidating appearance. If that doesn’t stop any would-be intruders, don’t worry, this dog isn’t looks only. “Corsi” have been involved in many fatal dog mauling accidents.

Affectionate with family and intelligent, the Cane Corso is easy to train. Although they are big dogs and one of the more muscular ones, their short hair is easy to keep clean. Healthy and tough, this breed does well in most climates.

These dogs are energetic and social. They can become destructive or aggressive if left alone too often, or when bored. While affectionate with their owner, they may not get along with kids and other animals.

2 Dogo Argentino

Also known as the “Argentinian Mastiff”, this breed was created to hunt big game like puma and wild boar, which is how they often end up being known as some of the most dangerous dogs in the world. In recent times, they have also been used as guard dogs for persons and property.

Loyal and brave, these pups make great companions to active singles. They are quick and agile making them great for whatever you throw at them. With a white coat and perfect proportions, this giant is still beautiful and refined in appearance.

Like other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list, they don’t usually get along well with kids or strangers. They need plenty of human companionship to avoid becoming aggressive or destructive. Watch that food! This breed packs on the pounds easily.

3 Rottweiler

From 2005 – 2016, there were 392 people in America that were killed by a dog. 76% of these deaths were attributed to either a Pitbull or a Rottweiler. A popular service dog, when properly trained and socialized, they make great pets.

Intelligent and loving, these dogs are easy to train. They want nothing more than to please, so they are most stable when they have regular work to perform. “Rotties” are confident and energetic, but not overly energetic.

Like other large dogs, training needs to begin immediately. Due to their size, they can easily hurt someone without intending to do so. Make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive qualities.

4 Pitbull

The Pitbull has a reputation for being one of the deadliest dogs in the United States. Unfortunately, this breed became popular in dog fighting, and breeders bred in aggression and power whenever possible. On top of that, brutal training is sometimes used to make them even more deadly.

Surprisingly, to some, these fur-babies love human companionship. They are loving and easy to train. Playful and energetic, they are great for active, outdoorsy people.

While they have short hair, it does shed quite a bit. They need daily exercise and companionship to keep from becoming aggressive or destructive. Pitbulls typically like to be the only dog in the family.

5 Perro de Presa Canario

The “Canary Mastiff” is a rare mastiff breed originating from the Canary Islands. Cattle dogs, they protected farms from wild dogs and other predators. These pooches are also used as traditional guard dogs.

Attentive and confident, these canines have the quiet mannerisms of anyone that knows they are top dog. Dogs in this breed are independent, and do great in active households.

These pooches are strong-willed and need a strong trainer. They don’t do well with kids or other pets. While great as guardians and sporting dogs, they will need proper training and socialization.

6 Neapolitan Mastiff

Called gentle giants by many, this is another Mastiff hound out of Italy. While most say they are great family pets, protective and gentle with children, they still are reserved with strangers. This combined with dislike of other dogs means they can still be deadly.

Neo’s are relatively calm. They don’t bark excessively, they won’t try to break out of their fence, and they won’t chew up all your shoes. Actually, pups in this breed are great for calmer, older families.

The pooches in this breed are your stereotypical dog. They drool, snort, and fart. With a strong will and average intelligence, they are harder to train than some other canines. A strong, experienced master is needed here.

7 Rhodesian Ridgeback

With a distinctive line (ridge) of hair on their spine, and a chiseled, muscled body, these fur-babies are definitely good looking. Also known as the “African Lion Dog”, these canines can be deadly to other animals and people.

Dogs in this breed are tough and healthy. They are able to withstand many climates and conditions, making them great for an “outside” dog. They adapt well to living in small spaces, and shed very little, so they make great “inside” dogs as well.

The Ridgeback is a large, powerful, and independent breed; so, they need effective, experienced training. They retain the prey drive and love to wander and roam. For this reason, they need a strong fence and a strong handler.

8 Chow Chow

Regal to some and funny looking to others, the Chow Chow is not a family pet. Unlike some other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees. This is one deadly animal, especially around the food bowl.

If you are single or couple, and have no intention of starting a family or getting other pets, this fur-baby would make a great pet for cat people. Serious, aloof, and independent, its personality is more cat-like than dog-like.

These canines are not very active, not very friendly, not very intelligent, and not very healthy. They are basically a “statement piece” dog only. They require only the best trainers using only the best methods in pack leader and socialization training.

9 Doberman Pinscher

These dogs grow to a large size, but are still incredibly graceful. They might not be a hulking, drooling monster, but Doberman Pinschers are in the Mastiff class of canines. Smooth and sleek, this breed is a head-turner. They're also known as one of the deadliest dogs in the world.

These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train. Considered to be great with kids and other pets, these pooches are energetic and playful. “Dobes” are alert and fearless, so they still make great guard dogs.

A traditional guard dog, make sure you get your “Dobe” from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive traits. Eager to please, dogs in this breed need regular human companionship to keep from becoming aggressive and destructive.

10 Bandog

This is a breed of varied ancestry. They were originally created by breeding “Mastiff” breeds with “Bull Dog” breeds. They can have different looks and temperaments depending on heritage, but make no mistake that these are one of the deadliest dogs. Many insurance companies, apartments, cities, etc. have banned this breed.

This breed is still mainly bred to be guard dogs, and they excel. Brave and strong, these dogs will lay down their life for their charges. These impressive animals have short, easy to care for coats.

As primarily guard dogs, these canines can be dangerous. They need intense pack leader training. They are wary and distrustful of strangers, so they need intense socialization training from birth. To many, the Bandog is considered a mutt.

11 Kuvasz

These beautiful dogs are large and lacking in social graces. These traditional livestock guards are capable of much decision making and independent thought. Breed owners debate the Kuvasz's reputation as one of the world's deadliest dogs.

Active and intense, these canines love the outdoors. The Kuvasz is not a hunting breed, so they have relatively no prey drive. Tough, healthy and brave, these dogs are ready for whatever you can cook up. They make excellent guard dogs.

While highly intelligent, they are hard to train, wanting to go their own way instead. As working dogs, this breed is able to go for days protecting and managing its livestock with no input whatsoever from humans; they are still not ready for that input.

12 Caucasian Ovcharka

This Russian dog is a shepherd, and it is tough. It can kill wolves and bears to keep its charges safe, so it will have no problem with people. Even supporters of this breed call it brutal. There is no question why this dog made it onto the list of deadliest dogs.

This breed was made to survive barren, wet lands and bitter cold; so, it is one tough cookie. Brave and loyal, this breed is a common police, rescue, and working dog in the areas of the old Soviet Union.

Serious and professional, this is not a great dog if you have kids and other pets. This breed is not suited for warmer climates. This dog is a danger to other animals and to humans that do not approach it properly.

13 Kangal

While the Kangal is in the “Mastiff” category of dogs, they are commonly known as the “Turkish Shephard Dog”. These strong, powerful pooches were created to protect livestock and people from bears, wolves, jackals, panthers and other prey animals.

These dogs are energetic and playful. When trained and socialized properly, they make great family dogs for active people. Not for apartment life, these dogs are ready for outdoor life in a large, secure area.

Like other livestock guard dog breeds, the Kangal can be territorial, possessive, and defensive. Please get your fur-baby from a reputable breeder, and use proper training methods to avoid aggressive acts.

14 Dalmatian

Some might be surprised to see this beloved breed on the world's deadlist dog breed list, but Dalmatians have been known to attack. A traditional “dog of war”, these pooches have a long history acting as guard dogs. It may surprise you to see the Dalmatian on a list of deadliest dogs, but there is good reason to include them here.

These fur-babies are hardworking and easy to train. They are great for service dogs which is why you often see them in fire-fighting and police stations. Energetic and enduring, they are great for active, sporty people.

While friendly and affectionate with their owners, these pups usually do not like kids, strangers, or other dogs. These canines have energy to spare. They need lots of exercise and room to roam.

15 German Shepherd

Between 1979 and 1998, 17 German Shepherds were blamed for accidental deaths. This is not including bites alone. Although they are regularly used as service dogs, this breed has certain traits that land them on the list of deadliest dogs.

Smart and attentive, these dogs are easy to train. While they love to play and be active, they also appreciate quiet time spent relaxing. Resilient and healthy, these dogs are great in all climates.

These fur-babies love to chew. They need puzzle boxes and chew toys to keep them busy and to keep them from becoming destructive. Pups in this breed like their alone time. Children should be taught never to chase or pull dogs that are trying to hide.

2 COMMENTS

any dog can be aggressive, it’s the other end of the leash that needs to be evaluated & considered for a label. all the years as an ER nurse all the dog bites that came in were mostly dachshunds & chihuahuas, they’re not on your list.

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